Noah Finds Ring Precedes 'Circus'

Noah took exception because he knew the title run had as much to do with the efforts of the other four starters who were returning. After all, the prime reason why he decided to return for a junior year was to "make history with friends" and try to become the first repeat national champion in 15 years.

Florida's pursuit of that milestone began with a preseason No. 1 ranking and expectations that Noah would be a dominant force. But through his first 13 games, Noah was held to single digits in points four times. Students around campus told him he was hurting his draft stock.

"When you're walking on campus and have 10, 20 people doing that in a day," Noah said, "maybe after a week, that's okay. Then you realize that's your life and it's not going anywhere, it's going to be there as long as you're there."

His emotional style also came in question. A search of the video sharing Web site YouTube revealed 44 Noah-related clips. There is Noah dancing on the court. There is Noah trying to take the basketball out of the hands of Vanderbilt Coach Kevin Stallings. And there is Noah swiping at the pompom of an overly aggressive Kentucky cheerleader.

"Here's this guy, 6-11 or 7 feet with a ponytail, beating his chest and everybody thought it was great," Donovan said. "It went from that to everything that Joakim Noah does or doesn't do is under a microscope and now everybody has an opinion of him."

Fed up, Noah finally approached Donovan during the regular season to say how frustrated he had grown with the attention. Donovan responded with a question: "Would you give it up?"

"There is no way," Noah answered.

Donovan told Noah that he couldn't reach his full potential as a player unless he endured the type of season he has had. Some of Noah's statistics have dipped slightly compared with last season, but Noah counts this year among the best learning experiences of his life.

Two of Noah's roommates, forwards Horford and Corey Brewer, are believed to have improved their draft stock this season. Noah is still expected to be a high draft pick, but unlike last spring he is not expected to be a top two pick in June if he decides to turn pro.

To Noah, that is immaterial. He believes too many people focus on the future and not the present. He said he doesn't regret his decision because of the rare opportunity he has had with his friends and "to be in this situation is unique."

Over the past 12 months, Noah has grown more accustomed to attention, both good and bad. During a recent news conference, Noah was amused after a reporter asked him if heckling from the opponent's band flustered him.

"Are you kidding?" he said. He has heard worse.

"Everybody has an opinion," Noah said. "We are the circus."